Essential Oil Grades: From Pyramid to Extraction

Not all essential oils are equal, and the word “grade” is often used as marketing rather than science. What matters is how the oil was extracted and what is in the bottle.

Steam distillation and cold pressing preserve the plant’s natural profile; solvent-extracted absolutes are common for delicate florals but are not always suitable for all applications. A GC-MS report is the only objective proof of composition — it shows purity and the absence of synthetic extenders.

When you buy, ask for the batch’s GC-MS, check the botanical Latin name, and confirm origin. A trustworthy supplier treats the report as standard documentation, not a special request.